Filter Problem???

[matt4x4]

One way to tell if you're catching anything is to backwash and see what kind of crud comes out of the filter.
I find that cleaning up that first load of fine dead algae dust is a legthy process, during the summer, when the pool's used, we tend to get on top of issues right away before they get big, but that spring cleanup tends to be big, you have a lot of inert dirt in your pool too, just hink, 6-8 months uncovered collecting all that dust that lands on it, during the summer, that dust is removed almost immediately because of filtration, during the winter, it just settles in/on the pool.
I let mine run with the barracuda for about 3-5 days straight, the water is milky looking the whole time and things don't look better, but my pressure guage just keeps rising and rising telling me it's building up a good layer of filth in there, I try not to backwash because a dirty filter works better than a clean one (poconos' DE trick is based on the same priciple). I use DE in the summer to "pre clog" my filter, but don't during spring cleanup because there's enough dirt to do the job instead of the DE.

I'm on year 5 now, still the same Zeobrite as year one, have no plans of changing it, I guess I'll have to if I ever lose a lateral, but aside form that, I doubt I'll ever change the media out.

[lorettasweet]

How do I replace the gauge? It looks like it just unscrews out, but I tried to force it and it's not budging. I want to make sure I'm not going to break anything else by trying to unscrew it out. Thanks

[lorettasweet]

Also, the pump is 1.5hp. 27ft round pool.

[Watermom]

Also, the pump is 1.5hp. 27ft round pool.

I think that is probably part of your problem. Like many pools, especially AG pools, your pump is too big for your pool. It is forcing debris through your filter too fast before your filter can catch it and thus, it goes back into your pool through your return.

[Poconos]

The gauge just unscrews. Whoever installed it may have used a pipe dope that hardened. You shouldn't break anything taking it out. When installing the new one get some teflon pipe tape and wrap about 8 turns on the threads then screw it in. If the housing is non-metalic just go hand tight so the housing doesn't crack. Just snug it up at first and see if it leaks. Tighten until it doesn't leak but don't use a wrench.
Al

[lorettasweet]

Thank you all for your help. I got the new gauge in and it's working fine. Was running about 15psi before I added the 1/3 cup of de, that took it to right at 16. It did do a better job of preventing the return from pushing the dead algae back thru, but after a few minutes of sweeping, I'd still have to stop, backwash, rinse, and start over. But it's worked well, I have one more round of vacuuming to do today to get the rest out so hopefully that will be it, then just normal maintenance keeping it clean. I'm excited, temps projected in the 90's this weekend, so I've got it done just in time!

Although, should I be concerned that my pump is too large for the pool? Is that something I should look into changing or will it hurt anything to continue using it?

[Poconos]

With the larger than necessary pump you're just using more electricity than you need however for the cost of a new pump it probably isn't worth it at this time to change. Depends on new pump cost, if you can sell the old one, electric rates, run times. The pressure seems right in range, not too high, so you're not driving the heck out of the filter. Relax, enjoy the 90 deg heat, and send some up my way. I may be in the pool by July at this rate.
Al